Way of Life’s January Newsletter

Celebrate January 2019, New Year ~ New You, with these bang’n great deals at Way of Life, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega’s on sale ~ 25%off, Country Life entire line ~25% off and Herbs Etc. entire line ~20%off. Pamper yourself with these elevated CBD infused skin care products from Botanical Rush entire line ~ 20% off. Also Way of Life is featuring NOW products at an everyday low price starting January 2019.

This month Way of Life offers two free Wellness Classes Wednesday, January 9th Astrology & Staying Healthy from Leigh Wunce N.C. and Wednesday, January 23rd will focus on the Year of the Pig with Madhu Brodkey MFS.

Join us at Way of Life for a fun night of wine & treats at our Third Thursday Event January 17th, 5:00 to 8:00. Spend $20.00 and enter to win the January Gift Basket from Country Life filled. More than a store… a Way of Life.

Feng Shui…Does It Work?

By Madhu Brodkey, MFS

Well, in a word, yes. It can be profound or subtle. Let me tell you a story of Feng Shui working in a subtle way. Recently I met with a friend that I had not seen in several years. As we were catching up and visiting the subject of how I work with clients came into the conversation. Since it was the Christmas Season, I gave an account of one of my client’s success stories that took place during the holidays. It was Christmas time just after the 1989 earthquake and the City of Santa Cruz helped store owners set up tents so that they could sell their wares. Residents were asked to shop locally to support these small businesses. Santa Cruz was a buzz with shoppers and a strong feeling of community was everywhere. As I was approaching one of the shops I met a client with whom I had recently shared Feng Shui. He and his wife were always busy with work and had little time to spend together. That was the main issue they asked me to address in their home. And, indeed, I did. We made adjustments to their environment, rearranged furnishings, reassigned room use and did personal ritual to adjust their personal Qi (vital energy). The consultation was in early November and when we met downtown it was mid-December. After exchanging pleasantries he said, “You know, I don’t think we got much benefit from the Feng Shui.” Now, this was a man who didn’t have time to do anything but work. Yet, here he was downtown shopping for a gift for his wife. I asked him what he would be doing the rest of the afternoon and he said that he was going to meet up with her and they were going to dinner and a movie. Hmmm. “So, you are spending time together playing, that’s great!” I just stood there and smiled. A moment later he too smiled (not his usual expression) and said, “Oh, now I get it.” Good. We wished each other a happy holiday and went on about our business (He left with a big grin.). The moral here is to pay attention and be mindful. Feng Shui brings life back into balance. And, in this case it was such a smooth and natural transition that he had not realized that it worked for them.

Other times it can hit you like a ton of bricks. A client (of twenty years) was feeling really stuck. He had been looking for work for several months and even though he had great interviews nothing was coming through. His home office was not set up to place him in control of his work life. So, I made suggestions for rearranging the space and showed him how to activate the benefactor area of the room. (The benefactor area is where we call upon the energy to shift to bring benefit to our lives.) He did the benefactor ritual I taught him every day and within a few days three job offers presented themselves. Oh, he was a happy guy. In this case he needed to shift his personal Qi and focus on the task at hand. It worked and we continue to work together to this day.

These are just two examples of how Feng Shui influences our lives. And each year has its own energy and influence on us. Join me Wednesday, January 23, to find out what the year has in store for us.

Meanwhile, if you want to learn how to prepare for the New Year, see below for Do’s and Don’ts for Preparing For The New Year, Chinese Style.

Madhu has been immersed in meditation and healing arts for over 40 years and working with Feng Shui for 20+ years. She is a Feng Shui Master Consultant and teaches at Cabrillo College Extension. Madhu is available for Feng Shui Consultations and Personal & Space Clearing Ceremonies by appointment, contact info on fengshuireflections.com.

Chinese New Year Do’s & Dont’s

DO Clean house. Everything should be clean before the New Year. This deep cleaning usually starts 3 weeks before the New Year.

DO Eat a 10 course-meal with family and friends on New Year’s Eve.The meal represents the importance of community. Serve fish, which represents prosperity and wealth. DON’T Eat all the fish. Tradition says to save some for New Year’s Day.

During this fourteen day period of celebrating the New Year:

DO Speak only good words, especially on New Years’ Day.

DON’T Speak of sad things. If anything sad is mentioned, it may happen that year.

DO Light fireworks outside your home. In Chinese tradition, lighting fireworks is a way to scare away evil. “Poppers” that explode when thrown at the pavement are often used to chase evil away.

DO Wear bright clothing to the New Year festivities. Red, gold, and purple are popular choices.

DON’T Wear white or black during New Year celebrations. Those colors are worn for sad days, such as funerals.

DO Place bamboo or a money tree in your home. Bamboo represents longevity. The money tree (pachira macrocarpa) helps ensure a wealthy year. Decorate it with small paper ornaments of coins and fruit. Loquat is also popular as it represents prosperity and is abundant in this area.

DON’T Use scissors or knives on New Year’s Day. You may be cutting away your wealth for the New Year.

DO Pay off all your debts by New Year’s Day.

DON’T Lend money to anyone on New Year’s Day. That could have you lending all year

The End Is In Sight! With Yin Wu Hai (Yin Earth Pig)
Year 2019

with Madhu Brodkey, MFS

We made it through the holidays, perhaps despite a bit of alcohol & sugar. Now is the time to do liver support. Perk up your health, and also take advantage of Now brand’s price reductions. Check out Now’s Liver Refresh for a comprehensive liver formula!